Saturday – Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Hate

This has been a hellish week in America…

A white supremacist Trump fan sent bombs to Democratic political leaders, donors, and CNN; black people were murdered at a grocery store after the domestic terrorist was locked out of the predominantly black church he was targeting; and a rabid anti-semite, inflamed with conspiracy theories, attacked a synagogue, killing 11 in the deadliest targeting of the Jewish community in American history. The administration is preparing to erase the existence of transgender people and troops are gathering at our borders to stop people who are coming to plead for their lives. And now, our president appears ready to create a class of stateless citizens, an act similar to one that preceded the worst atrocities of the Holocaust.

Martin Luther King said that “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

This is the time when our vote and our efforts can mean more than ever. But we also need time to mourn these losses and reaffirm our vision and purpose together as a community. Come to Mission Park (right across from the Mission in downtown Ventura) and spread some light and love with us in a vigil for the victims of hate and for a better and more just America.

We’re starting at 5:00. Sundown is just after 6:00. We will be there until 7:00. Wear warm clothes, and bring candles or fire-safe alternatives.

Share our Facebook link with others who need a moment to reconnect with the good-hearted people of our community.

By choosing to attend this event, you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law, to work to de-escalate confrontations with others, and to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and of law enforcement. You also acknowledge that you are solely responsible for any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring during this event and that you release all event sponsors and organizers (and their officers, directors, employees, and agents) from any liability for that injury or damage.